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Prepared by Hunger Free Colorado
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There are many resources you will need to secure before you begin your program. They include: food, large containers,
bags, labels, access to a computer and printer, a dolly or cart, and storage space.
FOOD: Food will likely be your largest cost for your program. Due to the possible inconsistent availability of
food, try to maintain three to five week storage of food.
Each bag should cost $2.00 to $5.00. Bags full of healthy food can easily be made for $2.50 per child, per week.
Example:
- $2.50 x 100 students = $250.00 each week.
- $250.00 per week x 36 weeks per year =
$9,000.00 each year for 100 students.
LARGE CONTAINERS: Once the food bags are
packed, they can be stored in 30 gallon plastic
storage tubs in each classroom ready to be
distributed on Friday.
- Purchase one container, like a plastic tub
or large plastic laundry basket, for each
participating classroom.
- Each tub should be labeled with the
teacher’s name and should stay in the
them with food bags.
BAGS: Choose a type of bag that you want to
distribute the food in.
- One bag is needed for every child, each
week.
- Plastic bags work well because they can
easily be collected and do not require a
child to return the bag the following week.
Additionally, you can host a plastic bag
drive, which can be a great outreach tool
to raise awareness about hunger in your
community among other schools, churches,
or community organizations.
- Reusable bags can be environmentally
friendly, but you risk children or families losing the bags and require you to purchase more.
LABELS: Labels on both the bags and containers help volunteers and teachers distribute the food.
- Every week, every bag of food distributed should be labeled with the name of each child participating in the
program, their grade, and teacher’s name. Labeling helps teachers quickly and easily distribute the bags.
- The large container for each classroom should be labeled with the name of teacher and grade.
- Using the updated list of participants, you can print simple mailing labels to stick on each bag (and classroom
container) each week.
- Use Mail Merge or similar tools on the computer to help you quickly create the labels.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR BUYING FOOD
1. Purchase food from your local food bank: Food
banks know best how to purchase food cheaply and
can provide you with advice of where to purchase
food OR can allow you to purchase food directly from
them.
2. Buy food in bulk to reduce costs: Purchasing large
quantities of food at bulk retailers, like Costco or
Sam’s Club, can cut down on costs. These retailers
usually require a paid membership to shop.
3. Ask your local grocery store if they have any special
deals or are willing to donate some food: Talk with
your local food retailers and describe your program.
They may be willing to donate or provide food at a
lower cost.
4. BE CAREFUL WITH RECEIVING PERSONAL FOOD
DONATIONS: Programs that are able to provide every
child with the same food (type and brand). Accepting
individual food donations makes getting this type of
food more difficult. Food donations are helpful if you
can secure large quantities of similar types and brands
of food to ensure consistent food bags.